COLUMN: Chelsea's new show hilarious but Handler with care
Has anybody checked out Chelsea Handlers new show, Are you there, Chelsea?
If not, you need to.
Especially if you are of the female persuasion (although I have heard tales of friends catching their husbands enjoying an episode or two on DVR).
Let me begin with this warning: This is not a family show. I repeat, if you do not make sure the kids (and grandparents, for that matter) are in another room, you will not enjoy this show. You will instead spend 30 minutes yelling earmuffs and being mortified.
Warning made, the show is a riot. Its based on Chelsea Handlers 2008 best-seller, Are You There, Vodka? Its Me, Chelsea. The series follows an outspoken woman, Chelsea Newman -- a character based on Chelsea Handler -- and her circle of working-class twenty-something friends in New Jersey through the narration and observations of Newman. Many situations are inspired by Handlers book, which is based on her career in her twenties.
The title of the book probably gives you a clue to Handlers personality and worldview, but for those not familiar shes a comedienne, television host, actress, model and best-selling author. She currently hosts the late-night talk show Chelsea Lately on the E! Cable Television Network. Its been a hit for several years. Shes become a celebrity.
Her talk show features a panel of her friends, fellow comedians and her sidekick, a little person by the name of Chewy. The panelists discuss everything from the Jonas Brothers to politics. The comedy is often brash and can even be raunchy at times. But its funny. Actually, its really funny.
Are you there, Chelsea? is much the same.
I admit its probably not for everybody. But I find it hilarious, especially having once been a single lady in her 20s.
If youre anything like me, youll recognize Chelseas friends: the male coworker who walks a fine line between being your buddy or a potential love interest, the loyal best friend who knows all your secrets yet sti! ll likes you, the quirky but lovable roommate who youd probably never be caught dead hanging out with if she didnt have that great apartment in that prime location, the judgmental sibling or family member who never fails to tell you exactly what you are doing wrong in life The list goes on and on.
Still not getting the picture? Imagine Friends on sarcasm steroids.
And just a little sidenote in the spirit of Six Degrees of Separation one of those friends Chelsea hangs with has a connection to Florence. Lauren Lapkus, who plays Chelseas odd-but-endearing roommate DeeDee, is the cousin of Florence native and South Florence grad Gretchen Meyer Patrick.
Are You There, Chelsea? airs at 8:30 on Wednesday nights on NBC. Thats Channel 10 for those of you in Florence who have Time-Warner cable. So next Wednesday, gather a group of your best girlfriends (or guy friends) and tune in!
Heres to another great week! Ill see ya on the town!
-- Morning News Digital Journalist Traci Bridges is on the town and in Currents every Thursday. Contact her at (843) 317-7325 or tbridges@florencenews.com. Or find her enjoying the latest episode of Are You There, Chelsea? with her besties.
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